Thumb drive containing public employee information recovered

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Police Department has arrested a 17-year-old boy for his role in the theft of a thumb drive containing the personal information of thousands of City of Milwaukee employees.

The thumb drive was inside the stolen vehicle of a Dynacare Laboratories employee. The thumb drive, laptop computer and computer bag were all taken when the car was stolen on October 22nd. 

Milwaukee police recovered the vehicle on November 10th, but was made aware of the stolen thumb drive on November 15th.

According to the city, police found the stolen thumb drive inside a residence on the 2900 block of N. 20th St. on January 6th. We're told police were at the residence investigating violent felony crimes. 

Forensic analysis on the thumb drive is ongoing, but preliminary findings show the data on the thumb drive was not accessed.

In a release from Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's Office, several city leaders expressed their gratitude and relief that the personal data was recovered.

The 17-year-old suspect is facing criminal charges related to accepting stolen property and bail jumping. 

Police continue to investigate how the thumb drive came into the teen's possession.